Wildlife biologists are professionals concerned with scientific management of the earth’s wildlife species and their habitats. They work in the areas of preservation, conservation, and management of wildlife species.

Students enrolled in the Wildlife & Conservation Biology major study the natural sciences as well as principles of managing wildlife populations and their habitats.

This major fulfills educational requirements to become a Certified Wildlife Biologist recognized by the Wildlife Society of America, an international professional organization.

In addition, wildlife majors meet educational requirements for state and federal employment in the wildlife profession.

REQUIREMENTS
All students admitted to the University of Rhode Island are eligible to major in Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

The program requires:
Students must take professional courses in natural resource conservation, resource economics, introductory soil science, and conservation of populations and ecosystems.

As part of the basic science requirements, wildlife majors must complete coursework in biological sciences, ecology, physics, physical geology, introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, introductory calculus, and introductory statistics.

Required concentration courses include:

Principles of wildlife management, wildlife field techniques, field botany and taxonomy, wetland wildlife or nongame and endangered species management

9-10 credits from an approved list of courses that includes: Field ornithology, the biology of mammals, vertebrate biology, animal behavior, introduction to forest science, wetland wildlife management, wetland ecology, and wildlife biometrics.

Supporting concentration electives may be taken in:

Resources policy or administration, environmental law, land use planning, and also in communications.

Up to 24 credits of experiential learning courses such as:

Research apprenticeships, internships, and teaching practicum may be taken towards satisfying concentration and supporting elective requirements.

All students are expected to take two capstone courses in the major.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS
Graduates can become Certified Wildlife Biologists (CWBs) who are recognized by The Wildlife Society, an international professional organization.

In addition, wildlife majors meet the educational requirements for state and federal employment in the wildlife profession.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates find employment with various state or federal agencies such as the Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park or Forest Service, and the Department of Environmental Management.

They also work with consulting firms and conservation groups such as the Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation.

Wildlife researchers work on habitat requirements of individual wildlife species and analyze the effects of such factors as pesticides, hunting, predation, and land use on wildlife populations and their habitats.

Wildlife managers operate refuges, regulate hunting and trapping seasons, manage public lands for the benefit of wildlife, and advise private landowners regarding wildlife management.

Some wildlife biologists work for consulting firms that assess the environmental impact of proposed developments. Others work in regulating land use of specific wildlife habitats such as wetlands and coastal zones.

Wildlife biologists teach in colleges, environmental education centers, and elementary and secondary educational settings.

FURTHER STUDIES
A Wildlife & Conservation Biology degree provides an excellent foundation for pursuing graduate study.

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